Language Learning, Volume 35, Issue 2 (1985-06). pp. 141-163.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Inherent in the interlang hypothesis is the assumption that the lang of second-lang acquirers is systematic. Findings in a previous study (A Longitudinal Analysis of the Acquisition of English, Ann Arbor: Karoma Publishers, 1983) are reviewed with respect to variability over time in forms used to mark referential status of discourse participants. New data from the adult Hmong learner of English collected approximately 20 months following the original study are examined. The new corpus is examined in light of T. Givon's quantity universal ("Universals of Discourse Structure and Second Language Acquisition," unpublished manuscript, U of Oregon, 1983). Three measures are applied to the data to determine the degree of topic continuity. Data from the original study reveal the nonlinear nature of change in interlang. 8 Tables, 2 Figures, 40 References. Modified HA